Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), popularly known as “AOC,” has recently proclaimed that she will not vote in favor of the Democrats’ infrastructure bill if it comes to a vote on Thursday. According to AOC, her rejection of the infrastructure bill can be attributed to the allegedly insufficient details regarding what a large social spending bill will entail.
On Wednesday, AOC declared, “I don’t see how ethically I can vote to increase U.S. climate emissions.”
AOC also complained about the “framework” for Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better Plan,” claiming that the framework does not provide nearly enough detail to influence her vote in favor of the infrastructure package.
“We have had a framework for six months,” AOC whined, “we need text.”
The legislator’s remarks emerge as the warring factions within the Democrat party escalate their debates, with particularly strong conflict between the moderates and progressives. To date, progressives have widely threatened to vote “no” on infrastructure unless they have the opportunity to vote for the infrastructure bill and social spending bill simultaneously.
Both bills are poised to result in major tax increases, given the additional tax revenues needed to fund them in their entirety.
AOC’s remarks can be starkly contrasted with Nancy Pelosi’s, as Pelosi (D-CA) recently demonstrated a high degree of optimism about the successful passage of the infrastructure bill.
“We are facing a crucial deadline for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework to pass,” Pelosi proclaimed.
Pelosi continued onward to declare that the House Rules Committee will likely hold a hearing on Thursday in order to “advance this spectacular agenda For The People,” in spite of the fact that the bill has not yet been written. Furthermore, it is unclear whether or not any information in the hearing will be adequate to sway the hardline progressives, who have proven to be largely resistant to compromise.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was also pressed on the likelihood of the infrastructure bill passing, coolly informing reporters, “if we had a deal … we would be telling you about it.”
Pelosi’s open call for a meeting spearheaded by the Rules Committee could be interpreted as an effort to lay pressure upon progressive colleagues, as well as an effort to illustrate alleged momentum underlying the legislation.
Nonetheless, many remain unconvinced by Pelosi’s efforts.
“Not sure if she really thinks she can will this thing through,” a progressive aide mused, “but the votes are not there.”
